Comps Softened a Bit During December's Second Week

NEW YORK - After a frenetic shopping pace at the beginning of the holiday sales season, comps eased up a bit during the second week of December, according to the Johnson Redbook. Same-store sales for the week ended Dec. 11 rose 2.5% after a 3.8% hike a week earlier. Comps for the department store sector showed to 1.8%, while discounter segment comp came in a 3.2%. "With the month significantly back-loaded with last minute holiday shopping along with the new year, retailers entered the expected "soft-middle" of the holiday season as most remained cautiously optimistic in sitting out the pre-Christmas wait," said Catlin Levis, Redbook analyst. She noted there is one extra shopping day before Christmas this year, "which should add some growth."